On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions made two big free agent signings in their secondary: safety Glover Quin, formerly with the Houston Texans, and cornerback Chris Houston, who signed a five-year deal.

Calvin Johnson, who recently expressed excitement over the signing of running back Reggie Bush, says he was impressed with Quin when preparing for last year's Thanksgiving Day matchup between the Lions and Texans.

"Glover Quin – he's a smart DB," said Johnson. "One thing I did notice watching film before we played him last year: he keeps himself in good position so he can make plays. That's a good thing to have on our defense. We need somebody that can make plays and keep themselves in position to make plays."

Johnson was also pleased to hear of the news that Houston had re-signed to a long-term deal.

"I was happy to hear that," he said. "He's definitely our best corner."

Houston has been with the Lions since 2010, when Detroit traded to acquire the corner from Atlanta.

"He came in a very good corner," said Johnson. "He was fast, but very raw. Over the past years, I think it has just been experience. Through experience you get better and you can definitely see that with him.

"I definitely get better from working with him every day and vice versa."